English As A Foreign Language Research Articles

Unlocking the Power of Process-based Reading Models: Pedagogical Insights for the EFL Classrooms

This article discusses the concept of reading as a process rather than a final outcome, emphasizing its importance in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. It explores various process-based reading models, highlighting their pedagogical implications. It argues that understanding reading as a process is crucial for effective teaching and learning in the EFL context. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of process-based reading models and their implications for pedagogy in EFL classrooms. This article delves into the significance of viewing reading as a dynamic process rather than a mere end result within the realm of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. It navigates through various process-based reading models, shedding light on their profound implications for pedagogy. Emphasizing the pivotal role of understanding reading as a multifaceted process, the article endeavours to provide a comprehensive examination of these models and their instructional ramifications. Through an extensive literature review, the article scrutinizes the diverse linguistic processes intrinsic to reading, while revisiting prominent process-based models such as Irwin and Baker’s reading comprehension model, and the Triangle Model of Reading. Each model, it elucidates, offers distinctive insights into the reading process: the Triangle Model underscores the interplay between phonological and semantic pathways.

Enhancing critical thinking skills of EFL learners in Beninese secondary schools: Strategies and implementation

This paper investigates effective strategies for fostering critical thinking skills among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Beninese secondary schools. Critical thinking is essential for language and literacy development, as well as success in all domains. The importance of critical thinking in educational contexts is particularly crucial in a multicultural and diverse setting like Benin. This mixed-methods study combines qualitative interviews with EFL teachers and quantitative surveys with secondary school students to identify effective strategies. Results indicate that collaborative learning, inquiry-based instruction, problem-solving tasks, critical reading and writing exercises, and the integration of real-world issues into the curriculum are effective approaches. The study's findings suggest that incorporating these strategies into EFL instruction can significantly enhance the success of teaching and learning critical thinking in Beninese secondary schools.

An exploratory study on second language learner engagement in different types of interactive tasks in video-chat and text-chat communication

Abstract This study investigated 48 Hong Kong English as a second language (ESL) learners’ engagement in three types of interactive tasks conducted via video chat or text chat. The learners, paired with their university friends, completed a descriptive task, a narrative task, and a decision-making task. They were randomly assigned to either the video-chat or text-chat group and were interviewed about their emotional engagement in each task immediately after task performance. The findings revealed that both groups of learners were behaviourally the least engaged but cognitively the most engaged in the decision-making task. They experienced positive emotions during the descriptive task, but fewer reported positive emotions in the other two tasks. The text-chat group was the most socially engaged in the decision-making task. Furthermore, the video-chat group was behaviourally and emotionally more engaged than the text-chat group. These findings have implications for task design and selection in computer-mediated communication.

EFL INSTRUCTORS’ PERSPECTIVES OF L1 USE IN L2 CLASSROOM: A CASE STUDY AT BİNGÖL UNIVERSITY

Language experts, educators, and scholars have long debated using first language (L1) in foreign/second language (L2) classrooms. During the heydays of the Direct Method, also called the Natural Method, which was sequenced by the Audio-lingual method, language scholars and educators strongly rejected L1 use in L2 classrooms. These two methods were an objection to the Grammar Translation Method that allows and facilitates L1 use in L2 classrooms. However, whether L1 use should be welcomed or refrained in L2 classrooms remains an open question. Ten English as a foreign language (EFL) instructors participated in the research. The required data was gathered using a questionnaire, and SPSS 20 was used for analysis. Three of the participants were interviewed in a semi-structured manner to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives and to strengthen the quantitative data. This study was carried out to understand EFL instructors’ perceptions of using L1 in L2 classrooms who teach both in preparatory classes and at the English language and literature department at Bingöl University, Türkiye. The analyses and interpretations of the data showed that L1 is mostly used for teaching L2 grammar and vocabulary. The study also showed that there are too many contributing factors to L1 use, such as building mutual intelligibility (comprehension), giving clear instructions, setting up a good rapport with students, reducing anxiety, integrating humour into L2 classes, and reprimanding and appraising students.

Multilingual English second language students’ voice in digital storytelling

Digital storytelling is a productive approach to engaging multilingual students in creative, expressive, and practical tasks to increase their English language development and meaningful thinking. Based on previous research, digital storytelling helps students stay motivated, expand their communication skills, and create narratives with multiple multimodal features (Robin, 2008; Reinders, 2011; Tecnam, 2012). This study expands on previous research by exploring voice in students’ digital storytelling to showcase their identities. A mixed-method study investigated whether the same author's voice could be differentiated among the raters. Therefore, 25 participants were recruited and asked to watch ten pairs of digital stories to evaluate linguistic and multimodal aspects of the stories and either attribute them or not to the same author. The study results indicated that the raters could distinguish between digital stories authored by the same multilingual ESL writer and those crafted by different writers, thus proving that multilingual ESL learners implement voice in their digital stories. The study also revealed that the raters relied on certain multimodal and linguistic features while making their decisions, therefore underlying the importance of developing those multimodal elements in multilingual classrooms. Finally, the study offers numerous activities that can be implemented in multilingual classrooms to develop ESL students’ voices and shape their identities.

Use of ICT in English Language Teaching Classroom

Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning is indispensable for improving teachers' professional skills in English language teaching (ELT). This paper examines secondary English language teachers' experiences in using ICT in teaching English in Nepal. The extensive semi-structured interview as a key information-gathering strategy under the phenomenological research method was employed to explore the participants’ experiences in applying ICT skills in teaching English. Four English language teachers who had been using ICT in teaching for at least two years were selected purposively from two public secondary schools in Rupandehi, Nepal. The findings revealed that the use of ICT engages students' cognitive processes and their autonomy in class. It also creates an engaging and dynamic atmosphere for learning and facilitates better access to learning materials. The study can contribute to improving teaching and learning efficacy using ICT skills for effective teaching in public schools in Nepal.

Estrategias instruccionales efectivas para desarrollar habilidades de escucha en adolescentes con TDAH

Introduction: Natural interactions and understandable linguistic input are essential to build attractive conditions for acquiring the English language. Effective exposure to language, both oral and written, is essential to understanding and producing a language. However, developing listening comprehension skills can be challenging for students with ADHD due to difficulties in attention, behavior, and cognition, as well as the unique characteristics of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. Objectives: In this regard, this research aims to document effective instructional strategies to improve listening skills among high school students with ADHD. Methodology: To this end, an exploratory-deductive qualitative research design was applied through an extensive review of the literature. Data were collected from 60 academic sources and analyzed using a neurolinguistic and pedagogical approach using a constant comparative coding method. Results: The results suggest that, to guide students with ADHD in developing English listening competencies, language instructors must build a learning environment that includes simplified inputs and content, clear instructions, multisensory conditions, and student-centered instruction based on individual needs. Conclusions: Simple, linguistically rich, engaging, and multisensory environments facilitate learning for students with ADHD and can have an impact on their overall academic performance and language development. Study Area general: Education. Specific area of study: English as a Foreign Language. Type of study: Literature review.

Optimizing EFL learning: exploring the role of learner background factors and the nuances of their effects on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among university students in a mixed-methods study

IntroductionMotivation is a driving force behind man’s behavior which has led to many psychological studies throughout the world. Moreover, it is the fuel for successful learning. While intrinsic motives provide the internal rewards, extrinsic motivation supplies the required external rewards to keep the engine of learning running. Knowing the factors which impact intrinsic/extrinsic motivation helps educators target their efforts at a higher level and make more informed decisions.MethodThis study intends to examine how intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation may be influenced by demographics including learners’ background factors of major, age, and occupation and to determine the relationships that may exist between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research was conducted at one of the public universities in Shiraz on the majors of Elementary Education, Educational Affairs, Social Studies and Theology, and the Arabic language which were selected through cluster sampling. These students were having their English courses at the university. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s formula for sample size, a questionnaire was administered to 100 participants to collect quantitative data. Moreover, semi-structured interview sessions were conducted with one fourth of the participants.ResultsUsing Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation, we found that learners’ background factors of age, field of study and professional status did not affect intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation. However, significant and positive relationships were found between intrinsic motivation and total motivation index, and between extrinsic motivation and total motivation index. Qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results of the interviews showed some new illuminating trends as revealed from the participants’ responses and it was found that most interviewees followed intrinsic motives and considered motivation as a factor of great significance.ConclusionIn the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context in which our study was conducted, instructors can follow more similar classroom motivational techniques and strategies since neither type of motivation was influenced by the variables of different major, age and occupation. Though many studies have shown that EFL learners are more extrinsically motivated in comparison with ESL ones, our study revealed that participants were more intrinsically motivated. Thus, this study may be replicated in other educational contexts such as an ESL context. The study can also be repeated in some universities in which other educational systems such as coed education is used to see the possible similarities and differences. Motivation is the important stimulant to impel the learners to achieve their learning goals; thus, it should receive sufficient attention in various educational settings.

Investigating the effects of reverse dubbing tasks on English speaking proficiency and English learning motivation

Reverse dubbing represents the process of creating and presenting a video clip that translates the original first-language (L1) spoken dialogues to second/foreign language. This study investigated its effects on English speaking proficiency and English learning motivation (ELM). Two intact classes of English as a foreign language (EFL) college students were randomly assigned to either the reverse dubbing (RD) group or the comparison group. In the course of an academic semester, the RD group completed two RD tasks, for each of which they, in groups, (1) selected a Mandarin L1 video clip, (2) translated the subtitles to English, (3) rehearsed the translated subtitles, (4) created a new soundtrack, (5) combined the video clip with the new soundtrack to produce the dubbed video clip, and (6) played the dubbed video clip in class and then performed the live dubbing again. ANCOVAs and qualitative examinations performed on the numerical data and interview transcripts unveiled that reverse dubbing constituted a significant contributor to the development of English speaking proficiency and led to a statistically significant increase in the level of intrinsic motivation for the participating students. In light of these findings, implications are proposed for the theory and practice of technology-enhanced language teaching and learning.

Unlocking English Grammar: Insights from Fes High Schools in Morocco

The instruction of grammar is a critical element of the curriculum that all English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors must integrate into their courses. Grammatical education presents a significant challenge within the English curriculum due to the frequent struggles both students and instructors face with its rules. Nevertheless, it is essential for students to possess a comprehensive understanding of grammar, as a strong grasp of the language they use is crucial for enhancing their communication abilities. Teachers provide grammar instruction specifically to improve their students' writing skills, and for a long time, grammar education has been regarded as a fundamental prerequisite for the appropriate use of language. This paper examines the most frequently employed methods for grammar instruction. The investigation aims to identify the most common errors committed by ESL students through interviews with educators, analysis of survey results, and observations of classroom activities. The primary goal is to help students overcome these challenges while also enhancing their understanding of the errors they have made.

Modeling the contribution of self‐efficacy, collective efficacy, and autonomy to professional creativity of Chinese EFL teachers

AbstractIn the modern educational landscape, teacher creativity has a vital role, especially in language education. Teacher creativity plays a crucial role in today's world, and some studies have explored the factors influencing creativity among language teachers. The present research explored the impact of psychological factors, self‐efficacy, collective efficacy, and autonomy on the professional creativity of Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers. These interconnected concepts provide a holistic perspective on motivation and performance, impacting both individuals and groups. In a study involving 542 English teachers from diverse backgrounds (varying in gender, age, and teaching experience) within Chinese educational settings, researchers administered four distinct scales: teacher creativity, self‐efficacy, collective efficacy, and autonomy. The responses were then analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The analysis revealed a significant relationship between Chinese EFL teachers’ self‐efficacy, collective efficacy, and autonomy, and their creativity. Specifically, regression analysis indicated that higher levels of self‐efficacy and collective efficacy were statistically associated with better creativity among teachers (p < 0.05). The model further showed that 52% of the differences in teachers’ professional creativity can be described by their self‐efficacy, while approximately 37% of the variance is attributed to collective efficacy. Additionally, autonomy accounts for approximately 61% of the variance in teachers’ professional creativity. The results from the SEM analysis corroborate the existing literature, affirming that self‐efficacy, collective efficacy, and autonomy significantly influence professional creativity among Chinese EFL teachers. These psychological factors play a crucial role in enhancing individual teacher creativity. Educational administrators can leverage these insights to design focused professional development programs that strengthen teachers’ self‐efficacy and collective efficacy. Additionally, granting teachers greater autonomy in curriculum design and implementation fosters an environment where creative teaching strategies are more likely to flourish.

In between the neoliberal reality and the humanities imagination: a narrative inquiry of an English major’s identity construction in China

ABSTRACT This study reports an ethnographic case study of a Chinese female English major of a working-class background – Faye (pseudonym) and her English learning and use experience in an elite community in the Chinese context. Drawing on the data collected from a 13-month longitudinal inquiry, the study employs Darvin and Norton’s [2015. ‘Identity and a Model of Investment in Applied Linguistics.’ Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 35:36–56. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190514000191] model of investment to explore her identity transformation through English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) practices. Findings suggest that Faye’s investment in EFL practices appeared to transform with her evolving perceptions of EFL learning and imagined identities, which were shaped largely under the influence of neoliberal and humanities discourses. The study argues for a critical interrogation of the impact of neoliberalism on EFL learning and humanities education, cautioning against its tendency to constrain identity potentials and sustain structural inequalities. Pedagogical implications are suggested at the end of the article.

Cognitive and sociocultural dynamics of self-regulated use of machine translation and generative AI tools in academic EFL writing

With emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology, language education has become an increasingly dynamic field where traditional teaching methods intersect with rapidly evolving digital tools, transforming the way English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is taught and learned. This study examines the intersection of cognitive processes and sociocultural contexts in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, focusing on 79 learners enrolled in a compulsory EFL course at a Japanese university and their self-regulated use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate for writing tasks. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study investigates learners' evolving perceptions and highlights the interplay between their cognitive engagement and sociocultural interactions within the classroom setting. Quantitative data from pre- and post-surveys reveal learners’ attitudes towards AI-assisted writing, while qualitative insights are drawn from their self-reported experiences. Findings indicate that while the students perceived that their writing outcomes have improved by using AI tools for editing, the role of instructors for providing proper guidance and training on the technology, as well as the collocative learning with peers cannot be replaced by the AI tools.

Digital Versus Print: Unpacking Indonesian University Students' Perceptions of English Language Learning

Due to technological advances, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students who previously relied on printed books have switched to digital books. Higher education is, therefore, one of the levels of education currently one of the most heavily touched by digital technologies. This study aims to determine Indonesian students' perceptions regarding using digital books in reading classes. 127 students from a private university in Indonesia took part in this research. This type of research was a mixed-method design that used a five-point Likert Scale survey and semi-structured interviews to improve and support the results of the previous quantitative methods. The conclusion of this study covers students' past experiences, usefulness, preference for digital books vs. printed books, and English learning with digital books. In terms of students’ past experiences, 84% of students have read digital books on computers or tablets, and 92% always use their phones. Moreover, in terms of usefulness, the interviews showed that many participants did not know the highlighting and note-taking features of the digital book. 64% of students prefer digital books, but some interviewees prefer printed books with some justification. In addition, 88% said digital books helped them learn English, especially in reading class, supported by interviews with several participants who said they were better at learning vocabulary from the digital book.

Overcoming Academic Writing Challenges: English Language Learning Strategies for Chinese International High School Students in Blended Learning Environments

With the increasing globalisation and the integration of blended learning models, academic English writing has become a critical skill introduced at the high school level. This study investigates how Chinese international high school students develop and apply effective English language learning strategies to address the specific challenges of academic English writing in a blended learning environment that combines offline EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and online ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction. Utilising a qualitative research design, three participants in this special blended learning environment are selected as specific cases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, student learning logs, and classroom observations. Findings reveal that students employ a combination of cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies to address issues in this special blended learning environment. The study underscores the importance of integrating technology with traditional teaching methods, highlighting the effectiveness of blended learning in supporting students' academic writing. These insights offer valuable guidance for educators in enhancing teaching practices and for policymakers in designing supportive educational frameworks.

Vocabulary Building through Language Games: A Study among Secondary ESL Students of Ak/Al-Irfan Ladies College, Pottuvil

This research explores the role of language games as an educational tool in developing vocabulary acquisition among secondary ESL (English as a Second Language) learners at Ak/Al-Irfan Ladies College, Pottuvil. The main goal of this research is to identify whether the collaborative language games can enhance vocabulary acquisition when compared to conventional methods of teaching, such as memorization by repetition and textbook-based learning. A mixed method research design was used to collect data for this study which includes both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data was gathered using the results of pre-tests and post-tests with the aim of assessing the learner’s vocabulary acquisition before and after the classroom instruction. On the other hand, the qualitative data include questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion with students which aid in gathering valuable insights such as their viewpoints, attitudes and experiences in terms of incorporating language games in the classroom settings. According to the findings of the research, it is clear that incorporating language games in classroom settings has a very positive impact on students’ performances in terms of acquiring vocabulary. This particular group of students not only improved their vocabulary skills but also, they were more active than the other group students when it comes to classroom activities. On the other hand, the students who were taught vocabulary using the traditional teaching methods showed less engagement in classroom activities and they were only exposed to a limited acquisition of vocabulary due to the use of conventional teaching approach. The study suggests that language games foster a more interactive and enjoyable learning environment, which contributes to the students' long-term vocabulary retention. The element of fun and competition inherent in these games appears to stimulate students' interest in learning, reducing the monotony often associated with traditional methods. Consequently, the research concludes that incorporating language games into ESL instruction can offer significant pedagogical benefits, making it a viable and potentially superior alternative to conventional vocabulary teaching methods.

Social capital and postgraduate EFL students’ academic performance

PurposeThis study focuses on two aspects of academic performance, namely achievement in courses and research performance.Design/methodology/approachThe statistical population of the study consisted of all postgraduate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Iranian national universities in the academic year 2022–2023. The research method used in this study was the survey method, and the data were collected through a questionnaire. The research sample included 360 Iranian postgraduate EFL students who were selected by proportional stratified sampling.FindingsThe results indicated that social capital had a significant, positive effect on the academic performance of postgraduate students. The dimensions of social trust, a subcategory of social capital, had a significant impact on academic performance in general and on course-related achievement and research performance in particular. Intimacy of network, size of social network, quality of network and access to network significantly affected academic performance from most to least, respectively.Social implicationsThe results suggest strengthening intimate relationships and trust in the university environment, fostering continuous interactions between professors and students in informal networks and enhancing social trust for higher achievements at university.Originality/valueThis work has not been submitted or published anywhere else. The value of the study lies in the fact that social capital could lead to stronger relationship, higher motivation, knowledge sharing, support networks, collaborative learning and engagement in learning.

Exploring the interplay of growth mindset, mindfulness, and L2 self-efficacy in second language achievement: a mixed-methods study

Abstract This mixed-methods study explores the interconnected influence of growth mindset, mindfulness, and second language (L2) self-efficacy on language achievement in intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Quantitative data (n = 411) analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews (n = 19) reveal significant positive associations between all three factors and L2 achievement. SEM further clarifies the direct and indirect pathways through which these psychological elements impact learning outcomes. Qualitative findings enrich this understanding by showcasing learners’ lived experiences and the transformative power of these variables in fostering a supportive learning environment. Collectively, the results emphasize the importance of integrating growth-oriented beliefs, nurturing self-efficacy, and employing mindfulness practices in language education to optimize learning. This research offers notable insights for second language acquisition and educational psychology, informing educators, policymakers, and practitioners about effective strategies for promoting successful language learning journeys.

Career development and foreign language teacher well-being: Mediating effect of career satisfaction

High levels of stress are consistently reported in the teaching profession, making it crucial to identify factors that influence teachers' mental health and well-being. This study examined a conceptual model of well-being in teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL), incorporating career satisfaction as a mediating factor in the relationship between career development and teacher well-being. I conducted a survey of 305 Chinese EFL teachers using standardized scales. The results of structural equation modeling showed significant and positive relationships between career development and career satisfaction, and between career development and well-being. Further, career satisfaction mediated the relationship between career development and wellbeing. These findings have important implications for improving practices in the teaching field and provide valuable directions for future research.

Experiential, perceptual, and cognitive individual differences in the development of declarative and automatized phonological vocabulary knowledge

Abstract The present study explores the influence of individual differences in experience, perceptual acuity, and working memory on the development of both declarative and automatized aspects of L2 phonological vocabulary knowledge. A total of 486 Japanese English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) students took part in two vocabulary tests designed to measure declarative (meaning recognition) and automatized knowledge (lexicosemantic judgement task). Their performance was tied to the quantity and quality of their EFL experience, as well as their scores in auditory processing and working memory. While several significant, modest correlations between experience, aptitude, and vocabulary outcomes were observed, certain predictor variables were uniquely associated with either declarative or automatized vocabulary performance. Specifically, individuals with more extensive, typically language-focused EFL training and greater working memory demonstrated higher levels of declarative knowledge. Conversely, those who pursued extracurricular practice outside the classroom – exposing themselves to auditory materials and/or participating in study-abroad experiences – showed a more automatic execution of vocabulary knowledge.